HC Deb 25 February 1971 vol 812 cc229-30W
Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of State for Defence, since the research vessel "RDV 01" is to be launched on 20th March, and since this will leave the new construction slip empty, and since the main workload of fitting out involves a different pattern of trades whereas new construction involves predominantly shipwrights, why he has no plans for allowing Devonport Dockyard to tender for the two new frigates that he proposes to order in 1971.

Mr. Kirk

Under its future work programme, Devonport Dockyard will be very fully occupied with its primary function of refitting warships, to which the balance of trades in the dockyard is related.

Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that no decision has been taken by his Department to stop future naval new construction in Devonport Dock- yard once the building of the research vessel "RDV 01" has been completed at the end of 1971.

Mr. Kirk

Yes.